Potential Career Paths in the Military for College Grads in Political Science and Psychology

Hi! I've always been interested in psychology and politics—so much so that I'm considering majoring in these subjects when I go to college. I'm also really drawn to the idea of joining the military after I graduate. Any info on what military jobs I could pursue with a BS in Political Science and Psychology would be a huge help!

Hi there! Your interests in Political Science and Psychology certainly pave the way for an exciting range of career paths, particularly within the military. Your education in Political Science could lead you towards roles involving strategic intelligence, diplomatic relations, or policy development, all of which are critical in the military.

For example, you could become a Military Intelligence Officer. This role would allow you to utilize analytical skills learned from your Political Science degree to evaluate and interpret intelligence data, develop strategic plans and engage in intelligence operations. You'd be the one leading the team that identifies enemy forces' weaknesses, potential threats, and develops strategic plans based on this intelligence.

In addition, your understanding of Psychology could enable you to serve as a Psychological Operations Officer. Psych Ops Officers develop and execute programs that effectively persuade hostile or neutral foreign groups to support U.S. strategic objectives. This could involve using media to influence public opinion or working directly with communities to promote positive engagement with U.S. forces.

Alternatively, you might consider a role in Human Resources or Personnel Management. Because these fields encapsulate the study of individuals and how they behave within groups, they're well-aligned with both of your areas of interest.

Finally, there are many opportunities to serve as an officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Space Force after completing a degree. Officer training often concerns leadership skills and broad military knowledge, with more specific job training following commission.

Remember that joining the military involves a significant commitment and there are many factors to consider beyond just career opportunities, such as potential deployments, physical requirements and lifestyle changes. It's worth discussing these aspects with a recruiter or a veteran to get a complete picture.

I hope this gives you a good starting point, and best of luck with your future career!